Remember how I told you I didn’t want to live with you? I needed my own space, my own home before I made one with you.
I meant it.
But you didn’t believe me. Or, you believed me, but you needed me to make a home with you. To create a space together.
Crazy, I thought. I was recovering from a divorce as shocking as it was disappointing. My high school boyfriend, who became a completely-in-love-with-me college boyfriend, then a fiancé, then my husband for three years before our Bessie arrived, pink-cheeked and cherubic from the minute she escaped my birth canal – that devoted and charming man left Bessie and me for another woman. Another life.
I should have needed years to get over that.
But oh no, a month after the divorce that surprised me with its simplicity – sign here and sign away the 10 years of love and marriage – you walk into the café where I’m frantically writing an article on “the joys of cooking simply” for one of the magazines I freelance for.
You stride to the counter and order a cappuccino, glance around the room (okay, yes, I was watching you), and single me out with a smile.
Okay, yes, I smiled back.
You receive my smile as an invitation and sit down at my table with a nod, holding out your hand. “Joseph,” you say as simple as that. And I’m lost in that invitation.
But I try my hardest to push you away. Fifteen minutes into this meetngreet, you sipping your coffee, me glancing at my half-written article with regret – I’ll never make the deadline – I mention to you that I’m newly divorced and the mother of a 2-year-old.
You should have stood up and run away as fast and as far as possible.
Instead, you ask, “When can I meet her?”
Remember how I said I’d go out with you but that you’d never meet my daughter. Separation of church and state – separation of love life and family. That kind of thing. You laughed. “Doesn’t work that way,” you replied.
So, here we are, one day into living together a year after we met. I should need my freedom. I shouldn’t like being here.
“Shouldn’t work that way,” I whisper in your ear as we stand in our family room, looking out at Bessie picking daisies in our new front yard.
You smile and squeeze my worry into love.
A delightful anniversary gift. Congratulations
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Thank you. Stories are such a gift – may we share our stories more often.
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A lovely story, Pam. It would be wonderful if life could always work out this well. Happy anniversary.
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“Life” is a see saw for sure, but so nice when the ride balances out for the good. 🙂
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Awww–sometimes, it should and does work out that way. Happy Anniversary, Pam and her guy! ❤️
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As you know, sometimes it all does work out. Here’s to our stories and sharing them as gifts. ❤
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❤️
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Love it! ❤️❤️❤️
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Thank you, Glenda. Happy July!
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When it comes to matters of the heart sometimes it’s best to break a few rules! Love this, Pam! Love you too together! Happy anniversary!❤️
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Rules are just guideposts. Sometimes those guideposts need to be moved a bit to fit the love. In fact, your books are all about that theme, I believe. 🙂 Thanks, Jill.
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A better story or present couldn’t be found.
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Awww, thanks so much Bernadette. Turns out he loved the story. 🙂 ❤
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I absolutely loved this story!!! I can picture little Bessie out picking those daisies. So much joy here between the lines…such well-written lines!!! I have said it before, and I will say it again: you are a master storyteller!
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Linda, your words make my heart (and my muse) sing. THANK you. ❤
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A wonderful story and a great Anniversary gift. Happy Anniversary to both f you. Wishing you many more.
(PS I can relate to this story in many ways. Things work out the way they are supposed to.)
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I wish more of us gave stories to our loved ones as gifts. I think almost everything we write is “relatable” in some way, which shows how universal love and kindness, and compassion are. So many thanks for your comment. ❤
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😍
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What a wonderful story and gift Pam. Your stories uplift and remind there is still hope for love. Happy Anniversary!
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There is ALWAYS hope for love, Brad. Send out the vibes within and without. (I know, I’m like a broken record…) 🙂 ❤
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Play on. I need to keep hearing it so maybe I’ll believe it. 😋
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Happy Anniversary, Pam. I do think sometimes life is crazier than fiction ever could be, and it turns out to be the best kind of crazy. I can relate to this story as well.
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I realize (in my more ‘mature’ years) that life is meant to be crazy. So let’s enjoy the craziness and feel the love, in whatever way it shows up, right? Happy July to you!
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My heart is full and my eyes have just been washed. What a beautiful story, Pam. It might not shouldn’t work that way but then again… who says and why not? There are beautiful people out there and you happened to notice one who noticed you (seeing a fellow beautiful people). Happy Anniversary to you!
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YOU are a beautiful person, Dale, inside and out. And I know that like I know that love abounds, as does hope and kindness and good people like you. THANK GOODNESS! Happy July. ❤
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Aww jeez, Pamela. You’ve left me rather speechless! You are such a lovely soul. Thank you. Happy July!! 💕
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Takes one to know one. 🙂 xoxo
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💞💞
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I’d say You deserve happiness.
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Joy is found in the most unexpected places. I suppose we should all be open to finding it. Thanks much, Jacqui. ❤
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Happy Anniversary, Pamela. Delightful story.
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Thanks much, John. Somehow, I just can’t help writing about love. But really, it IS what makes the world go round, right? 🙂
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So they say. 😁
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It’s always uplifting to hear a good story.
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Thank you. We all are in need of good stories, and there are so many of them. Unfortunately, some believe a story/book/life isn’t ‘real’ unless it’s sad and depressing. We all have sad and depressing in our lives, but truly, the silver lining shines us into a good story.
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Awww. What a wonderful anniversary gift. Enjoy some extra special time with your guy, Pam. (Though I know that every day is special when you’re in love). ❤ ❤ ❤ Hugs.
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Every day is extra special, and even more so as the days ahead are shorter than the days behind. Ack. But truly, let us enjoy and savor one day at a time, one hug at a time, one “I love you” at a time to our family and friends. ❤
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Ack is right. We think about that shorter distance ahead and try to make every footstep count. I love your beautiful comment, Pam. Enjoy.
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What a wonderful, romantic, and heartwarming story, Pam. And, if any of this is non-fiction, you two are a match made in heaven. How some (sad and unwelcome) things happen for the best! Happy anniversary to you both!!
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I always shiver at the saying that things happen for the best, but it’s true, if we reach out for the best! 🙂 xo
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Happy Anniversary Pam—-I’m glad Fate handed you a really wonderful man who loves all the right things, including you. . . .
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What a sweet comment. Here’s to Fate, or whatever it is that brings us the “right way.” ❤
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Happy anniversary to both of you Pam. Your stories are always unique, I hope your guy knows that! 😊
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When my guy reads my stories, he often shakes his head and says, “where do you get these ideas?!” With this one, he just smiled and said, “Perfect gift.” 🙂 ❤
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Lovely story and wonderful anniversary gift! The heart doesn’t always pay attention to what should or shouldn’t work 🙂
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Thank goodness most of us know to “follow our hearts,” The heart will show us the way. Thanks, Janis. ❤
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Beautifully Written and True love knows no barriers or bounds..
Sending love for your Anniversary Memories dear Pam. ❤ ❤
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Thanks for your well wishes, Sue. May we all learn how to follow our heart…. ❤
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Lets hope more can learn to do so… ❤
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I’d say that this is the best anniversary gift ever. Absolutely beautiful!
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Thank you so much! He really liked the gift. We writers should do this more often with our loved ones. 🙂
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Happy anniversary, Pam and your guy! Your guy must be delighted with this story. It’s absolutely beautiful. Life is full of amazing surprises. ❤
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Thanks, Miriam. My guy did love the story, so maybe I should print it out and put it in an album. :-0 The main message is just as you say – “life is full of amazing surprises.” ❤
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Framable quote, Pam! I love it! ❤
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I think it’s your quote, Pam!
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Let’s both take credit for it. 🙂 xo
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Charming and romantic story—It turns out you got an upgrade. Life is funny because sometimes things that seem devastating at the time turn out to be for the best later on. I love the “doesn’t work that way” and “shouldn’t work that way” lines.
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You hit it right on target, Pete, plus made me laugh out loud. Yes, I (as well as Patty in this story), got an upgrade. Love your way of thinking.
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There couldn’t be a more perfect anniversary gift than a happy ending. Loved every word. Happy Anniversary to you both. May there be many more.
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Thank you, Marlene. I’m told stories shouldn’t be “sappy,” but I happen to think good-ending sap is syrup like the sap in a tree. 🙂
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We all need a little Maple syrup in our lives on the proper occasions. I happen to love a little sap. 🙂
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As do I, Marlene. You’re the best. ❤
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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THANK you for re-blogging. So sweet of you. To writing, and romance, and good endings. 🙂
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That is a heartwarming story, Pam. I love it. I’m still smiling.
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Smiles from the heart, Anneli. Thanks so much. xo
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What a beautiful story and Happy Anniversary! xo
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THANKS for enjoying my romantic fiction, which of course is full of truth. LOVE is TRUTH. xo
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What a lovely anniversary story!
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Thank you, Ann. My guy loved his gift and it makes me realize that we writers should gift our stories more often! 🧡
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Pingback: A balloon fades: July 3 – A Silly Place
This was truly beautiful! Happy Anniversary, Pam.
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Many many thanks,Jenny. It means a lot that you read my story and enjoyed it. 🧡
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I’m so glad! You’re welcome, Pam.
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This is really exciting and even better that it has layers of truth!
Nice writing / I could see him sip the cappuccino
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Thank you so much. I think every story – fiction or non – has many layers of truth. This one certainly does. 💥💗
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My spouse and I have been married for 26 years – and on our first date – he immediately showed me a photo of his almost three year old daughter (he got divorced when she was 9mos) and he didn’t know how I would react – and the best thing was that I did have a list of a few specific things I did Oor did not want – but someone with children never was a consideration (and I know some folks who prefer the no kids yet partner) anyhow –
It was just such a non issue for me – and it was a good fit – just like you and yours – and the depiction here!
☀️😊💛
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Wow! What a beautiful (TRUE) story. Yes, I’ve met quite a number of people – men and women – who say they’d never date someone who has a child. Fortunate for you and me (and our loved ones), we know better than to set such limitations. Thanks for sharing your romance – and happy 26 to you and your guy!
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Thanks for the reply!
And cheers to partnerships that are right for us!
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Ooh such a lovely story of second-time-around!! I have one too; I forget if I told you this! But for me, it took 37 years from divorce (1979) to meeting my now-husband in 2016. Our first anniversary is July 17! Ain’t love grand!? Here’s our story of how we met – I can’t remember if I already sent this to you or not. If so, well, you got it again! LOL! https://crossedeyesanddottedtees.wordpress.com/2021/04/21/an-open-letter-to-mark-zuckerberg/
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No Ellie, I didn’t know about your second time around story. I just read it and it is spectacular. Happy upcoming anniversary. Yes yes yes. Love is grand! ❤️💜💙💚
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What a beautiful gift to your husband, Pam. I love your style of writing and what you write about. ❤
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Thank you Carol! We both know how to enliven our characters and show what they’re made up of. At the end, it’s always love. ❤️
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Now this is a beautiful story!
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Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed this romantic tale that has so much truth in it. 🙏❤️
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Lovely, Pamela.
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Thanks Bruce and so wonderful to hear from you! I miss your blog posts very much. Our family is at the Red Sox game for the 4th. I know you’re a baseball fan so thought you’d enjoy that thought. Hope all is well.
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Awww … this has to be the BEST of anniversary presents, Pam! 😀 Your guy is very lucky and what an amazing heartfelt story. She never stood a chance against such sincerity, kindness & love – just needed time and reassurance after the previous heartache. I LOVE your last line, it is precious: ‘You smile and squeeze my worry into love’! ❤️
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Thank you dear Annika. I love writing my heart out, as do you. 💗
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What a happy divorce story. Happy Anniversary
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🤗 A good way of putting it! Yes happiness can follow divorce. 💚
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I know happiness can survive divorce…I’m seeing it happen right now…but not to me. All’s well that ends well.
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That’s great news, Cheryl. I’m thrilled to hear it. I know, not you, but to someone near and dear to your heart. ❤
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A most romantic anniversary present to someone who understands your writing heart!
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You understand my heart, Kathy, for sure. To the center of our individual universe – always. ❤
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Aw, sweet romance. Sounds like my husband telling me on our third date he was going to marry me. I laughed and told him, never gonna happen. Ha! Love finds a way. Happy Anniversary. ❤
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I’m not at all surprised that your husband knew right away that you were the RIGHT ONE for him. Beautiful memory. ❤
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Thanks so much Pam. Hugs ❤
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This is a touching story. I was however, sad as I was reading scrolling down the blog that you were married for 10 years and it didn’t work out, that is painful and excruciating but it is a touching story. Great context here
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Wow, I wonder how you found my blog. I’m grateful that you did, and that you commented. THANKS. Yes, the character in this story, Patty, had a marriage of almost a decade that failed. But she did not give up on love, which I think is the message here, thus a great anniversary gift to someone special in your life.
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Happy anniversary, Pam! That is the loveliest gift I can think of. You and your guy are so blessed to have found each other. ❤
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We are, and we remind ourselves of that every day. All of us should never take love for granted, but definitely take it with a huge heart. ❤
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Beautiful story….. Happy anniversary.. 😊🙏
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Thank you for visiting here and enjoying my “love” story. They’re the best. 🙂
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You’re welcome. God bless you 😊🙏
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This is so different experience! Lovely story 😊 kudos🌸
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Thanks! Glad you enjoyed.
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Pingback: It Shouldn’t Work That Way – linkr.bio/khairilishari99
How beautiful, Pam. Sometimes we think things shouldn’t work a certain way and are joyfully surprised when they do! 🧡🧡🧡
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I’ve learned throughout the years to let go of (low) expectations and be ready for surprising manifestations day to day. Thanks much, Barbara.
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Aw this is very lovely!
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Thank you! ❤
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Thank you! 💓
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Pam, I love that story no matter where the line may shift between truth and fantasy. The romantic in me would love it all to be true, but in the end, you’re all happy. Great story!
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So much truth here. And of course, love conquers fear, always. 💓
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Beautiful story. So happy for you 🙂
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Thank you! 💕
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This is heart warming ❤️
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Awwww, thank you. I love a good love story – and particularly one that has so much truth in it. Thanks much for reading.
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You’re welcome 🤗♥️
I love true love stories too
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